Personnel casualty simulator

ABSTRACT

A system and method uses three-dimensional, visual feedback for simulated weapons fire during training of a soldier in a combat exercise. In the system, the soldier is provided with a weapon equipped with a laser transmitter that simulates the firing of actual rounds. Further, sensors are positioned on a human target. Also, discharge members are located on the human target. When a signal is received by a sensor, selected discharge members are activated to immediately expel a plume of dust. As a result, the plume of expelled dust provides three-dimensional, visual feedback to the soldier in real-time. Additionally, the system contemplates providing three-dimensional, visual feedback from background surfaces and vehicles in the combat environment.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a division of Ser. No. 11/745,865, Filed May 8,2007, and currently co-pending.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention pertains generally to training aids. Moreparticularly, the present invention pertains to training aids that areused to simulate a combat exercise for soldiers firing small arms at atarget of opportunity. The present invention is particularly, but notexclusively, useful as a system and method for providingthree-dimensional, visual feedback for simulated rounds fired by asoldier.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In the past, the U.S. military has trained soldiers in the use of smallarms through the use of a multiple integrated laser engagement system(MILES). Typically, in such training, a laser transmitter is mounted toa weapon and aligned to send a laser light beam along the normaltrajectory of a bullet fired from the weapon. Thereafter, when theweapon is aimed at a target and is fired, an infrared laser beam isemitted from the weapon. If the aim is accurate, this laser beam will beincident on a sensor located on the target. In certain systems, thesensor records the hit, and sometimes the source of the laser as well,for later evaluation. Further, if the target is a person, the sensor mayprovide an audio alarm instructing the target to lie down and “playdead.” In such systems, however, the firing soldier does not see arealistic, real-time result from his/her shot.

Despite this limitation, the U.S. military training programs, along withthe movie industry, have provided the most notable simulations ofweapons fire. In the movies, however, situations simulating gun fire arescripted, orchestrated, rehearsed and presented under tightly controlledcircumstances. Every event in the simulation is planned and practiced.Importantly, every weapon simulation presented in the movies isperformed “for the camera.” Although there is an emphasis on a realisticpresentation for the camera, it is not combat and, indeed, is not reallypresented to achieve a physical perception of actual combat. On theother hand, although military weapon fire training exercises areconducted with efforts to include as much realism as possible, they donot provide realistic feedback to the shooter in real-time.

In light of the above, it is an object of the present invention toprovide a system and method for providing real-time feedback to asolider firing a weapon at a human target, for both hits and misses.Another object of the present invention is to provide a system andmethod for creating a three dimensional visual indication of a hit or amiss from simulated weapon fire. Yet another object of the presentinvention is to simulate entrance and exit wounds from a singlesimulated weapon shot. Still another object of the present invention isto provide a system and method for simulating a realistic result fromweapon fire that is easy to use and install, that is simple to operateand that is cost effective.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with the present invention, a system uses immediate,three-dimensional, visual feedback for weapon fire during training of asoldier in a simulated combat exercise. In training, the soldier fires aweapon equipped with a laser transmitter. When fired, the lasertransmitter emits infrared “bullet” signals simulating the firing ofactual rounds by the soldier. Further, the system includes a pluralityof sensors that are able to receive the infrared signals from the lasertransmitter. Specifically, these sensors are selectively positioned onhuman targets. More specifically, the sensors are worn on the targets'vests and helmets.

In addition to the sensors, the system includes a plurality of dischargemembers for expelling plumes of dust to imitate the effect of a “hit”,as though actual rounds had been fired. For a human target, thedischarge members are positioned at selected positions on the targetsvest and helmet. Structurally, each discharge member includes a chamberthat is packed with dust. Further, the discharge member is connected influid communication with a tank of pressurized gas. For example, a tankof pressurized gas like nitrogen may be worn on a target's vest andconnected to the discharge members on the vest and helmet. For purposesof the present invention, the tank is in fluid communication with theinlet of a manifold. Further, the manifold includes a plurality ofoutlets, with each outlet in fluid communication with a respectivedischarge member. Also, a solenoid valve is positioned on each outlet ofthe manifold to control the flow of the pressurized gas from the tank tothe discharge members.

In order to operate the solenoid valves, the system includes a triggerdevice that is electrically connected to the sensors. Also, the systemis provided with a firing box electrically interconnected between thetrigger device and the solenoid valves. With this construction, thefiring box can open a selected solenoid valve in response to a signalthat is received by a respective sensor and then communicated to thetrigger device. As a result of the opened solenoid valves, dust isexpelled from the respective discharge members. Preferably, the triggerdevice and firing box are positioned on the target's vest.

In addition to human targets, the system contemplates providingthree-dimensional, visual feedback from background surfaces in thecombat environment. Specifically, the system includes panels that haveembedded sensors and discharge members, as well as the above-identifiedoperative components interconnecting the sensors and discharge members.These panels are positioned on horizontal and vertical backgrounds togive the soldier an indication from errant shots. Also, sensors can beprovided on vehicle targets. For vehicles, however, the sensors arepreferably connected to pyrotechnic devices rather than dischargemembers. In this manner, the system can simulate an explosion when asensor on the vehicle receives a signal from the laser transmitter.

During a simulated combat exercise, human targets move through thecombat environment without any predetermined or repeated routes.Further, targets may flee when shots are fired. As a result, the soldierviews a realistic progression of events in the combat environment. Whenthe soldier fires a shot, the laser signal strikes a sensor on the humantarget, or on a background panel. When the signal is received by thesensor, it is communicated to the trigger device. Immediately, thetrigger device activates the firing box to open the appropriate solenoidvalve for a short period of time. When the solenoid valve opens, a burstof gas is emitted from the tank through the respective discharge member.As a result, a plume of dust is expelled from the discharge memberindicating a hit (when the discharge member is on the target) or a miss(when the discharge member is positioned on a background surface).Accordingly, in the latter instance (i.e. a miss), the soldier mayadjust his aim.

In a preferred embodiment, the visual feedback provided by the systemimitates the visual feedback that manifests when an actual round strikesa human target. Specifically, when a laser signal strikes a sensor, adischarge member expels a plume of dust from the simulated entrancewound and a second discharge member expels a larger plume of dust fromthe simulated exit wound. In order to provide for this heightened levelof realism, the human target may be provided with sensors and dischargemembers at his right and left shoulders, right and left hips, chest,various positions on his back, and multiple positions on his helmet. Forpurposes of understanding the system, consider a first sensor positionedat the targets chest, a first discharge member positioned at his chest,and a second discharge member positioned at his back. In response to thereceipt of a laser signal at the first sensor, the firing box activatesthe first discharge member to expel a plume of dust having a volume V1.At the same time, the firing box activates the second discharge memberto expel a plume of dust having a volume V2, with V1<V2.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The novel features of this invention, as well as the invention itself,both as to its structure and its operation, will be best understood fromthe accompanying drawings, taken in conjunction with the accompanyingdescription, in which similar reference characters refer to similarparts, and in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an employment of the system of thepresent invention for simulating three-dimensional visual feedback for adirect hit on a human target or a miss.

FIG. 2 is a front elevation view of the components of the system in FIG.1 shown mounted on a vest and helmet.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring initially to FIG. 1, a system in accordance with the presentinvention is shown and is generally designated 10. As shown, the systemis used in a simulated combat environment 12. Specifically, a sniper orsoldier 14 has a small arms weapon 16 that is equipped with a lasertransmitter 18 for shooting an infrared laser signal 20, as is known inthe art. Further, the simulated combat environment 12 includes a vehicle22 and a structure 24. As shown, an opposing force member serves as ahuman target 26 for the soldier 14. In FIG. 1, it can be seen that thevehicle 22, structure 24, human target 26, and the background 28 aroundthe human target 26 include sensors 30 for receiving the infrared lasersignal 20. For the structure 24, human target 26, and background 28, thedischarge members 32 are provided near, and interconnected to, thesensors 30. With this interconnection, a discharge member 32 createsthree-dimensional visual feedback for the soldier 14 upon receipt of thelaser signal 20 by the sensor 30. For the vehicle 22, the sensors 30 areinterconnected with a pyrotechnic device 34 such as a squib explosive orspecial effects using fire and/or smoke.

For the human target 26, the sensors 30 and discharge members 32 aremounted on a vest 36 and helmet 38 worn by the human target 26. As shownin FIG. 2, the sensors 30 are connected via leads 40 to a trigger device42 to communicate that a signal 20 has been received at a specificsensor 30. Alternatively, the sensors 30 may have a wireless connectionto the trigger device 42. As further shown, the trigger device 42 iselectrically connected to the firing box 44 that is interconnected witha battery pack 46 for power.

Referring now to the pneumatic components of the system 10, a tank 48contains a pressurized inert gas such as nitrogen. Further, the tank 48is connected in fluid communication with a manifold 50 via a tube 52.Specifically, the tube 52 connects the opening 54 of the tank 48 withthe inlet 56 of the manifold 50. As shown, the manifold 50 includesseven outlets 58. Further, controlling the fluid flow out of each outlet58 are solenoid valves 60. Beyond the solenoid valves 60, each outlet 58of the manifold 50 is in fluid communication with a respective dischargemember 32 via a tube 62. Inside each discharge member 32 is acompartment 64 packed with dust 66 which is partially expelled each timefluid flows out of the discharge member 32. It is noted that severalsensors 30 and discharge members 32 are not shown in FIG. 2 because theyare positioned on the front of the vest 36.

Referring back to the firing box 44, the connection between theelectrical and the pneumatic components of the system is explained. Asshown, the firing box 44 is connected to the manifold 50 via leads 68.More specifically, each lead 68 connects to a specific solenoid valve60. Therefore, the firing box 44 may open any specific solenoid valve 60by passing a current through the respective lead 68. As a result, dust66 can be expelled from a specific discharged member 32 based on thecurrent passed by the firing box 44. In FIG. 2, it can be seen that thesystem components other than the sensors 30, discharge members 32, leads40 and tubes 62 are contained within a lightweight waterproof housing70.

As shown in FIG. 1, sensors 30 and discharge members 32 are alsoprovided on the structure 24 and background 28. Specifically, thesensors 30 and discharge members 32 are embedded in panels 72 that arepositioned in the combat environment 12. While not illustrated, it isunderstood that the panels 72 are equipped with the same electrical andpneumatic components as the vest 36 to allow for operation of the system10. Preferably, the panels 72 have an exposed area of about four feet byfour feet and are lightweight to 30 allow easy set up andtransportation.

Still referring to FIG. 1, the operation of the system 10 may beunderstood. Initially, the soldier 14 fires his weapon to emit aninfrared signal 20 along the direction of arrow 74. In FIG. 1, thesignal 20 is received by a sensor 30 mounted on the vest 36 of the humantarget 26. As a result, the sensor 30 communicates the signal 20 to thetrigger device 42, and the trigger device 42 activates the firing box44. When activated, the firing box 44 sends current to energize thesolenoid valve 60 that corresponds to the discharge member 32 nearestthe sensor 30. As a result, the pressurized gas escapes out of thedischarge member 32 nearest the sensor 30, carrying dust 66 with it tocreate a plume of dust 76 to simulate an entrance wound.

At the same time the entrance wound is simulated, an exit wound is alsosimulated. Specifically, the firing box 44 also sends a current to thesolenoid valve 60 corresponding to the discharge member 32 opposite the“entrance wound” discharge member 32. Further, the current to create theexit wound simulation is applied for a longer period of time than thecurrent that creates the entrance wound. As a result, a larger plume ofdust 78 is expelled from the “exit wound” discharge member 32. As shownin FIG. 1, the volume V1 of the entrance wound simulating plume 76 isless than the volume V2 of the exit wound simulating plume 78, (V1<V2).In this manner, the soldier 14 is provided with a highly realistic,dynamic, three-dimensional visual indication of the successful shot atthe human target 26. It is noted that the panels 72 provide an equallyrealistic dynamic, three-dimensional visual indication of a missed shotwhich is received by a sensor 30 on a panel 72.

While the particular Personnel Casualty Simulator as herein shown anddisclosed in detail is fully capable of obtaining the objects andproviding the advantages herein before stated, it is to be understoodthat it is merely illustrative of the presently preferred embodiments ofthe invention and that no limitations are intended to the details ofconstruction or design herein shown other than as described in theappended claims.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A system for training a soldier during asimulated combat exercise comprising: a weapon equipped with a lasertransmitter to emit signals simulating the firing of actual rounds bythe soldier at a human target in the combat environment; a plurality ofpanels positioned in the combat environment, with each panel having aplurality of sensors for receiving the signals from the lasertransmitter, wherein said sensors are inserted into said panel; aplurality of discharge members inserted into the panels for expelling aplume of dust; a means for activating a selected discharge member toimmediately expel a plume of dust when the sensor receives a signal fromthe laser transmitter, with the plume of expelled dust providingthree-dimensional, visual feedback to the soldier; a tank of pressurizedas inserted into the panels; a manifold having an inlet in fluidcommunication with said tank and a plurality of outlets, with eachoutlet being connected to the respective discharge member; plurality ofsolenoid valves, with each solenoid valve being positioned at arespective outlet of said manifold to control a flow of pressurized gasfrom the tank to the respective discharge member; and a firing boxelectrically interconnected between the sensors and said solenoidvalves, with said firing box opening a selected solenoid valve to expeldust from the respective discharge member in response to a respectivesensor receiving a signal from the laser transmitter.
 2. The system asrecited in claim 1 further comprising a trigger device electricallyinterconnected between the sensors and the firing box, with said triggerdevice directing the firing box to open the selected solenoid valve inresponse to the respective sensor receiving a signal from the lasertransmitter.
 3. The system as recited in claim 1 further comprising: atleast one vehicle positioned in the combat environment, with saidvehicle having a plurality of sensors for receiving the signal from thelaser transmitter; a pyrotechnic device positioned on the vehicle; and ameans for activating said pyrotechnic device on the vehicle toimmediately mimic an explosion when a sensor on the vehicle receives asignal from the laser transmitter.
 4. The system as recited in claim 3wherein the transmitting means is a weapon equipped with a lasertransmitter, and wherein the receiving means comprises a plurality ofsensors positioned on the panels.
 5. A method for training a soldierduring a simulated combat exercise comprising the steps of: equipping aweapon with a laser transmitter; positioning a sensor on a panel locatedin the background of a combat environment; transmitting a signal fromthe weapon to a human target in a combat environment to simulate thefiring of an actual round by the soldier at the human target;transmitting a signal from the weapon to the background panel in thecombat environment when the signal misses the human target; receivingthe signal from the laser transmitter with the sensor located on thebackground panel when the signal misses the human target; and inresponse to the signal received by the sensor, activating a selecteddischarge member to immediately expel a plume of dust, with the plume ofexpelled dust providing three-dimensional, visual feedback to thesoldier.
 6. The method as recited in claim 5 further comprising the stepof outfitting the panels with a tank of pressurized gas, a manifoldhaving an inlet in fluid communication with the tank and a plurality ofoutlets, with each outlet being connected to a respective dischargemember, a plurality of solenoid valves connected to a firing box, witheach solenoid valve being positioned at a respective manifold outlet tocontrol a flow of pressurized gas from the tank to the respectivedischarge member, and with the firing box opening a selected solenoidvalve to expel dust from the respective discharge member in response toa respective sensor receiving a signal from the laser transmitter.